The annual Under 18 GDST Hockey Tournament took place at Northampton High School on Tuesday 2nd October. The team of 12 girls excitedly left Howell's at 6am after being victorious at last year's Under 15 event. The team got off to a good start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Oxford High School. This was followed by a thrilling comeback to defeat Royal High School (Bath) 3-2, with Pascha T getting the winner! With two wins in their opening two matches, the girls knew they had qualified for the knockout phase with one group match still to play. This final group game was against Nottingham High School who had also won their opening matches. The standard of hockey was very high from both teams, with Nottingham's early goal cancelled out by a fantastic strike into the roof of the net by Lily R. The 1-1 scoreline was fair and gave both teams confidence heading into the quarter finals. Howell's encountered host team Northampton High and followed a similar pattern of play to their previous game. Another outstanding goal from Lily R salvaged a 1-1 draw and set up the first penalty shootout of the day. Goals from Lily, Sophie S, Maisie R and Katie G, supported by two great saves from Nia H, rocketed the girls into the semi-final. Despite controlling possession for the most part of the game, Norwich High School converted a well-worked team goal to take a 1-0 lead. With legs tiring, Norwich were able to hold on to their lead, knocking Howell's out at the semi-final stage before going on to win the final after penalties against Nottingham. 3rd place was a great achievement for Howell's, who have never finished so highly in the Under 18 competition. Thanks must go out to all twelve girls who fought so hard throughout the day, as well as the parents for travelling so far to watch! The team will now look ahead to regional competitions taking place before Christmas.